INTRODUCING the 2024 YBRA Dutcher Award recipient, Prof. John Weber! The Dutcher Award, established in 2002 for exceptional service to the organization, is the highest award bestowed on a YBRA member. Weber, a Professor of Geology at Grand Valley State University (Allendale, Michigan) has served on the YBRA Board for over two decades, working as a volunteer board member and vice-president. After taking the SIU Geology field course housed at the YBRA during his undergraduate years, he became a YBRA field course instructor after he completed his PhD. During his tenure, the YBRA expanded its educational outreach programs including the annual Open House and symposia, Science Teachers Workshop, and Tippet Rise tours, saw the first capital construction in camp in decades, and helped the organization endure a trifecta of natural disasters including the pandemic, the Rock Creek flood and Robertson Draw fire, all of which threatened the vitality of the camp. John’s outreach work as a core part of the YBRA executive leadership team, has been invaluable to building a strong foundation for the future of the organization.
The Russ Dutcher Award for Distinguished Service, established in 2002, is an honor named for longtime YBRA supporter Prof. Russell R. Dutcher, who was instrumental in organization operations for several decades, serving on the YBRA Council (Board) as President and as Camp Manager. The Dutcher Award is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a YBRA member and recognizes exceptional service to the YBRA by individuals involved in the administration, management, and operation of the organization. The nameplate plaque, crowned by a picture of Russ Dutcher and the outline of Mount Maurice, resides on the fireplace mantle next to the kitchen in the Fanshawe Lodge.
Full list of awardees: https://ybra.org/ybra-awards/
